Edinburgh is experiencing a surge of visitors utilizing campervans to circumvent the city's newly implemented tourist tax and expensive lodging options. These visitors are parking their motorhomes on city streets, which has led to crowding and competition for parking spaces with other motorists.
Up to a dozen motorhomes have been observed parked on Fettes Avenue, a street situated near key festival venues and a police station. Parking on this street costs £11.20 for a weekday day rate between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with free overnight parking. Even factoring in a potential £50 parking fine, the cost remains significantly lower than traditional accommodation.
Fiona Campbell, chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, stated that the influx of campervans coincides with the Edinburgh Festivals and is a predictable outcome of strict short-term let regulations that have reduced accommodation supply and driven up hotel prices. She also noted that these motorhome visitors are not contributing to the visitor levy.
The City of Edinburgh Council introduced a new visitor levy of 5 percent on overnight stays for the first five consecutive nights. This tax applies to self-catering apartments, hotels, and bed and breakfast accommodations, as well as guests at caravan and camping sites. However, individuals staying in motorhomes parked on streets with no overnight charges are exempt from this levy.